Sir David Attenborough, naturalist and broadcaster, celebrated his 100th birthday last month and tributes poured in from around the world. Few individuals have done more to shape public understanding of the natural world and the need for its conservation. For decades, Attenborough brought distant landscapes, such as rainforests and savannahs, into our living rooms, inspiring millions to care about life on Earth.

Pakistan may not have produced a natural historian in the mould of Attenborough, but it has produced its own towering figure in conservation in Syed Babar Ali.

As Ali turns 100, the nation’s tributes will naturally celebrate his achievements and contributions to the country’s business landscape, education and philanthropy — all of which are significant and rightfully earned. It is also equally important, however, that we celebrate his relatively less publicly recognised contributions — though equally significant — in shaping environmental conservation in Pakistan.

Unlike Attenborough, Ali was never a naturalist, nor did he spend decades documenting wildlife on screen or narrating the beauty of the natural world to mass audiences. His contributions were primarily through institution-building, philanthropy and a commitment to public service. In many ways, his contributions to conservation in Pakistan have been foundational.

Syed Babar Ali’s achievements and contributions to the country’s business landscape, education and philanthropy notwithstanding, equally important is his role in shaping environmental conservation in Pakistan

Syed Babar Ali’s achievements and contributions........

© Dawn (Magazines)